Holidays the best of times for some, the worst for others

Holidays the best of times for some, the worst for others

Dec. 28, 2000

By Aspen Emmett
Journal Staff Writer

The holiday season is generally a time for fun and laughter. However, for some, the holidays are far from joyous.

Like clockwork for police, hospitals and counselors, suicide threats and attempts are on the rise for this time of year in Montezuma County. Although there have been no fatal suicide attempts so far this season, there have been a number of threats and attempts in the last week, according to Cortez Police Chief Roy Lane.

"Nationwide, this is a big time for suicides," Lane said. "It’s pretty noticeable every year."

Steve Brace, director of Social Services at Southwest Memorial Hospital, said although there are conflicting reports and statistics as to what the highest time of year for suicides is, he has personally seen an increase around the holidays during his 15 years of counseling.

"Holidays are a very, very stressful time," Brace said. "People feel overwhelmed."

Brace said there are a number of reasons why people feel depressed this time of year.

For those who have recently lost a loved one, the holidays can be difficult if they are the first of many occasions without that person.

"Holidays are always tough in those circumstances," Brace said.

For others, the holidays bring added stress financially. From Christmas presents to holiday travel expenses, people often overextend their pocketbooks towards the end of the year.

"Christmas debts can be very straining," he said.

For single people without any family nearby to spend the holidays with, Brace said isolation is a big contributor to suicide attempts.

"It’s a very lonely time for them," he said. "No one’s checking in on you and seeing how you’re doing. People will say ‘Merry Christmas’ and be on their way."

Brace said isolation is one of the biggest contributing factors to suicide at any time of year.

"You feel as though there’s no one out there," he said.

Weather and daylight are also major contributors to depression and suicide attempts.

"Short daylight hours and cold weather can keep people inside and isolated," Brace said. "Stormy days can also be rather gloomy."

With such a wide number of contributors, the holidays lend themselves to being a particularly difficult time for some, and it becomes necessary for the community to have avenues of help, even when most people are on vacation.

"I’ve spent a number of holidays on call," Brace said.

In Cortez, both Social Services and the police department refer suicide-contemplation cases to Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center much of the time.

"We have a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week on-call service and an on-call therapist at all times," said Lindsey Watson, medical-records person for the mental health center.

She said therapists can meet with individuals either over the phone or in person.

"We also have a walk-in service," Watson said. "There’s no appointment necessary for a first visit during regular business hours."

The police department also utilizes its own victims’ assistance program.

"We try to connect them for help," Lane said. "Then the victims’ assistance people can contact clergy, counseling or family."

Brace said that when someone is identified as a potential suicide threat, the general procedure consists of a counselor sorting through three main criteria: Is the individual having continuing thoughts about committing suicide? Does the person have a plan to carry out the suicidal thoughts? And what is the intent to carry out those plans?

"The counselor will try to get a sense of potential (for suicide)," Brace said. "Then we do what we have to do to get that person help."

He said cases vary greatly as to what help a person needs.

"We try to give them options," Brace said. "We see what kind of support system they have with their friends and family, and then try to establish a support network."

Sometimes other solutions are explored, such as a night in the hospital and referral to therapy or medication.

"One of the main complaints is lack of sleep," Brace said. "Sometimes we can help just by giving them something to help them fall asleep."

He said when those options aren’t available or if the case is more severe, other possibilities are explored.

"They may end up needing to go to a psychiatric hospital," Brace said.

He emphasized that there is a wide a range of cases and that each one is treated individually.

"It’s kind of a tough job to figure out what the intent is," Brace said. "Those who really want to commit suicide are going to do it and there’s not a lot that can be done. The ones who are talking are the ones who are wanting help."

Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center’s 24-hour suicide hotline can be reached at 565-7946.